U.S. patent application number 12/645722 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-23 for method and system of providing location-based alerts for tracking personal items.
This patent application is currently assigned to VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.. Invention is credited to Umashankar Velusamy.
Application Number | 20110148625 12/645722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44150234 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110148625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Velusamy; Umashankar |
June 23, 2011 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PROVIDING LOCATION-BASED ALERTS FOR TRACKING
PERSONAL ITEMS
Abstract
An approach is provided for tracking personal items. A
triggering event associated with tracking a personal item is
detected via a bearer tag coupled to the personal item. Sensing of
the bearer tag is initiated in response to the detection of the
triggering event. A determination of whether location of the
personal item satisfies a predetermined criterion is made. A
notification is generated if the criterion is satisfied.
Inventors: |
Velusamy; Umashankar;
(Tampa, FL) |
Assignee: |
VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING
INC.
Basking Ridge
NJ
|
Family ID: |
44150234 |
Appl. No.: |
12/645722 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/539.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 4/029 20180201;
G08B 21/24 20130101; G08B 13/1427 20130101; G08B 21/0269 20130101;
G08B 21/0275 20130101; G08B 21/0227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/539.13 |
International
Class: |
G08B 1/08 20060101
G08B001/08 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: detecting a triggering event associated
with tracking a personal item via a bearer tag coupled to the
personal item; initiating sensing of the bearer tag in response to
the detection of the triggering event; determining whether location
or presence of the personal item satisfies a predetermined
criterion; and generating a notification if the criterion is
satisfied.
2. A method of claim 1, wherein the criterion specifies that the
personal item is outside of a predetermined range from a designated
object that includes a mobile device, a stationary device, or a
vehicle.
3. A method of claim 2, wherein the triggering event includes
either actuating the vehicle, moving the item within a
predetermined area, moving the item away from the predetermined
area, or changing location of the sensing of the bearer tag.
4. A method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting a prompt
indicating a plurality of options for the notification; and
presenting the notification according to one of the options.
5. A method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting information
about the location of the personal item; and presenting directions
to the determined location of the personal item.
6. A method of claim 1, further comprising: generating a list of
personal items to be tracked, the list including the personal item;
maintaining a record of the personal items, wherein the record
includes the location and number of notifications generated for the
corresponding personal items.
7. A method of claim 1, wherein the bearer tag includes either a
radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a global positioning
system (GPS)-enabled device, or a near-field radio frequency
transceiver.
8. A method of claim 1, wherein the sensing is performed at either
a mobile communication device, or within a wireless communication
device coupled to a vehicle.
9. An apparatus comprising: a processor configured to detect a
triggering event associated with tracking a personal item via a
bearer tag coupled to the personal item, wherein the processor is
further configured to initiate sensing of the bearer tag in
response to the detection of the triggering event, to determine
whether location or presence of the personal item satisfies a
predetermined criterion, and to generate a notification if the
criterion is satisfied.
10. An apparatus of claim 9, wherein the criterion specifies that
the personal item is outside of a predetermined range from a
designated object that includes a mobile device, a stationary
device, or a vehicle.
11. An apparatus of claim 10, wherein the triggering event includes
either actuating the vehicle, moving the item within a
predetermined area, moving the item away from the predetermined
area, or changing location of the sensing of the bearer tag.
12. An apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a display
configured to present a prompt indicating a plurality of options
for the notification, and to present the notification according to
one of the options.
13. An apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a display
configured to present information about the location of the
personal item, and to present directions to the determined location
of the personal item.
14. An apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is further
configured to generate a list of personal items to be tracked, the
list including the personal item, wherein the processor is further
configured to maintain a record of the personal items, and the
record includes the location and number of notifications generated
for the corresponding personal items.
15. An apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bearer tag includes either
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a global positioning
system (GPS)-enabled device, or a near-field radio frequency
transceiver.
16. An apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensing is performed at
either a mobile communication device, or within a wireless
communication device coupled to a vehicle.
17. A method comprising: generating a list of personal items be
tracked using near-field radio frequency sensing; associating a
triggering event to each of the personal items on the list, wherein
the triggering event initiates a scan for the personal items;
defining a criterion for generating a notification for each of the
triggering events; and storing the list, the associated triggering
events to the personal items, and the corresponding criteria.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the criterion specifies
that the personal item is outside of a predetermined range from a
designated object that includes a mobile device, a stationary
device, or a vehicle.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the triggering event
includes either actuating the vehicle, moving the personal item
within a predetermined area, moving the personal item away from the
predetermined area, or changing location of the sensing of the
bearer tag.
20. A method according to claim 17, wherein the bearer tag includes
either a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a global
positioning system (GPS)-enabled device, or a near-field radio
frequency transceiver.
Description
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0001] Modern lifestyles are becoming increasingly more reliant on
mobile communications devices, such as cellular telephones, laptop
computers, pagers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the
like. These devices can be used for a diversity of purposes ranging
from basic communications, to conducting business transactions, to
managing entertainment media, and a host of other tasks. Additional
enhancements, such as location-awareness features, e.g., global
positioning system (GPS) tracking, also enable mobile device users
to provide unique location-based services. One area of development
has been the integration of these location-based services with
tracking services. However, traditionally, such effort has focused
on commercial applications, e.g., shipping and inventory tracking,
with little attention to consumers at large.
[0002] Therefore, there is a need for an approach that provides
integration of location-based service and item tracking system that
can be utilized for both personal use and commercial purpose.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of
example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
similar elements and in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram of system capable of providing item
tracking and notification, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a tracking module configured to
operate in the system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an item tracking system configured to
provide a managed tracking and notification service, according to
an exemplary embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of process for generating a list of
items to be tracked, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0008] FIGS. 5A and 5B are exemplary screens of a graphical user
interface (GUI) for providing item tracking and notification,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for specifying a
triggering event and notification option for a tracked item,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for item tracking and
notification, according to an exemplary embodiment; and
[0011] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a computer system that can be used to
implement various exemplary embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0012] A preferred apparatus, method, and software for providing
location-based alerts for tracking personal items are described. In
the following description, for the purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the preferred embodiments of the
invention. It is apparent, however, that the preferred embodiments
may be practiced without these specific details or with an
equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures
and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the preferred embodiments of the
invention.
[0013] Although the various exemplary embodiments are described
with respect to global positioning system (GPS) technology, it is
contemplated that various exemplary embodiments are also applicable
to other equivalent navigational and location determination
technologies, for example, a technology to detect the location
based on available base station of cell phone network. In addition,
although various exemplary embodiments are described with respect
to radio frequency identification (RFID)-based messaging, it is
contemplated that various exemplary embodiments are also applicable
to other equivalent proximity-based identification technologies.
Further, while various exemplary embodiments are described with
respect to mobile devices, it is contemplated that various
exemplary embodiments are equally applicable to providing tracking
services.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram of system capable of providing item
tracking and notification, according to an exemplary embodiment. It
is recognized that in today's society, people routinely transport a
variety of items with them, such as a cellular phone, car keys,
wallets, purses, brief cases, umbrellas, etc. These items can
traverse many different locations during the course of the day;
e.g., home, office, restaurant, hotel, etc. Consequently, recovery
of such items can be difficult (or at best, inconvenient), assuming
the person even realizes that the item is not within their
immediate possession.
[0015] System 100 provides for various scenarios whereby tracking
of personal items can be performed using tags. The term "tag" or
bearer tag refers to a chip, smart card, transponder, contactless
card, near field communication (NFC) tag, radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag, a wireless communication-enabled device
(e.g., BLUETOOTH.TM. device, WiFI device, etc.), a global
positioning system (GPS) transceiver, etc. In certain embodiments,
personal items can include any type of movable objects that can be
affixed with the tags. For example, these items can include
personal effects (e.g., wallet, purse, umbrella, cellular phone,
personal digital assistant (PDA), watch, suitcase, etc.), household
appliances or electronics (e.g., television, laptop, desktop
computer, etc.), or other personal possessions (e.g., bicycle, golf
bag, sports equipment, etc.). In this manner, bearer tag
identifiers may embody, for instance, a code, parameter, value,
etc., that distinctly identifies one bearer tag from another.
Depending on, for example, the value and/or size of an item,
different bearer tags can be utilized. For example, a less valuable
item, such as an umbrella, may be affixed (e.g., attached,
embedded, or stored) with a passive RFID tag. In contrast, valuable
items can be deployed with more sophisticated, costly tags, such as
miniaturized GPS devices. With anyone of these tags, the personal
items are then presence-enabled. That is, the presence (and hence
location) of these items can be tracked.
[0016] As seen in FIG. 1, the tracking and notification capability
can be deployed via a tracking module 101 in various scenarios. In
one embodiment, tracking module 101a is implemented within a
vehicle 103, so that items 105a-105n within the vicinity of the
vehicle 103 can be tracked using tags 107a-107n, respectively. For
example, the vehicle 103 can be equipped with appropriate
instrumentation to provide wireless communication capabilities
(e.g., BLUETOOTH.TM.-enabled), such that the tracking module 101a
can check for the profiles of user's personal items, e.g., cell
phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), and wallet (with embedded
BLUETOOTH.TM. transceiver), when the vehicle 103 is started.
Consequently, if any of the items is not in the immediate vicinity
(e.g., absent or undetectable, or outside the vicinity), the
tracking module 101a can advise the user that the device is missing
through a visual alert or by an announcement in the car's speaker.
Furthermore, as more fully detailed below, the vehicle 103 can
communicate with other tracking modules to determine the location
of the missing item. In one embodiment, the vehicle 103 can also
connect to a network via, for example, WiFi, to acquire the GPS
location of the missing device; also, the user may communicate with
the network using other mechanisms (e.g., telephony session;
dialing a designated number) to obtain the location
information.
[0017] Also, in another embodiment, tracking module 101b resides
within a mobile device 105 for tracking items 111a-111n using tags
113a-113n, respectively. Further, a separate tracking module 101c
can be implemented in a computer 115 (e.g., desktop, laptop, web
appliance, etc.) to track items 117a-117n through corresponding
tags 119a-119n within a premise 121, such as a home, place of
business, hotel, etc. Hence, it is contemplated that the tracking
module 101 can be deployed, in addition to mobile devices, in
stationary systems, as computer 115 can be a desktop (which is
stationary), or a laptop (which is mobile).
[0018] According to one embodiment, the tracking modules 101a-101c
can be configured to operate as part of managed service by a
service provider. In such a scenario, an item tracking system 123
can interface with anyone of the tracking modules 101a-101c to
store data about the tracked items within an item tracking database
125. Under this tracking service, users need not be concerned about
storage of the information, and the item tracking system 123 can be
utilized to communicate the notification of the potentially lost
item to a user via any desired method of communication (e.g.,
email, Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service
(MMS), etc.). Moreover, the system 123 can process historical data
to yield pertinent statistical information--e.g., most frequently
misplaced items, locations where users tend to lose items, etc.
This collective data can be disseminated to subscribers, for
example, as a suggestion for what items to consider tracking. The
functional capabilities of item tracking system 123 is more fully
detailed below with respect to FIG. 3. Connectivity of the tracking
modules 101a-101c to the item tracking system 123 is provided by
communication network 127.
[0019] In exemplary embodiment, an item 105a may have a location
awareness capability to locate its position. In this matter, the
location awareness capability may be activated periodically and/or
may be activated by certain triggering events. Alternatively, if
system resources, such as battery life, are not of a concern, the
scanning may be a continual process. The location information
acquired by the activation may be periodically transmitted to the
corresponding tracking module 101a, or may be triggered when a
certain event occurs. Also, item 105a may have its own memory to
store the tracked location information. In this manner, item 105a
may store its historical location information to the memory and
transmit the data at a later time.
[0020] As mentioned, tags (e.g., tag 113a) can be GPS-enabled, and
thus, obtain location information about the items (e.g., item 111a)
to which they are affixed using GPS technology. Such technology is
supported by a constellation of satellites 129. In this manner,
item 111a may communicate with one or more of the satellites 129 to
determine its spatial position with great accuracy and convenience,
and report such location information to a corresponding tracking
module--i.e., tracking module 101b. Additionally, tracking module
101b, which tracks item 111a, may employ A-GPS (assisted-GPS) to
mitigate the loss of GPS signals from obstructions. When operating
in A-GPS mode, tracking module 101b can provide for better in
building or obstructed view spatial positional information. A-GPS
information may include ephemeris data, differential GPS correction
data, timing data, and other aiding data. Using the aiding (or
assistance) data, tracking module 101b performs spatial positioning
calculations.
[0021] Alternatively or additionally, an item (e.g., item 111n)
associated with a bearer tag (e.g., tag 113n) may transmit its
presence (and thus location) only by transmitting its
identification information to a bearer reader (not shown) provided
by the tracking module 101b. According to exemplary embodiment, tag
113n is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Frequencies
utilized for tag 113n and a tag reader are not limited to
particular ranges. It is contemplated that various exemplary
embodiments are also applicable to other equivalent proximity-based
identification technologies. It is generally noted that bearer tags
may be passive or active. Passive bearer tags are generally
smaller, lighter, and less expensive than active bearer tags. As
such, passive bearer tags may only be activated when within a
response range of a suitable bearer tag reader (not shown). For
instance, bearer tag reader may emit a relatively low-power radio
wave field that is used to power bearer tag and, thereby, enable
bearer tag to transmit suitable information stored to the device to
bearer tag reader. Active bearer tags, however, may incorporate (or
otherwise have access to) a power source that enables active bearer
tags to actively transmit information stored to these devices,
rather than reflect radio frequency signals, as in the case of
passive bearer tags. Accordingly, active bearer tags may afford
certain additional features, such as programmable and read/write
capabilities. As such, a user may be permitted is store, for
instance, suitable item profile information to active bearer
tags.
[0022] According to certain embodiments, bearer tag readers contain
one or more transmitters, receivers, control units, and/or
antennas. As such, bearer tag readers may utilize these components
to energize bearer tags, as well as demodulate and decode returned
radio signals. A tag reader may periodically communicate with a
bearer tag to detect, read, or otherwise receive bearer tag
identifiers associated with items. Alternatively (or additionally),
a certain event may trigger the activation of the system.
[0023] According to certain embodiments, the bearer tags on the
items can themselves be configured to generate an audio and/or
visual alert if they are out of range within each other. This can
be independent from the tracking module's capabilities. For
example, assuming tags 107a-107n (affixed to items 105a-105n) are
BLUETOOTH enabled, these tags 107a-107n can then be paired with
each other--thereby, effectively having knowledge of each other's
presence. An example of items 105a-105n would be a set of luggage;
hence, if one of the items 105a-105n become separated from the
rest, one or more of the remaining items can be configured to
generate an audio alert and/or a blinking LED indicator. In one
embodiment, circuitry may exist within or in conjunction with the
tag to effect a timer, whereby the alert is produced after a
predetermined duration or period. This "peer" approach permits the
user with immediate feedback, even if the tracking module 101a is
not activated, thereby providing another layer of prevention
against inadvertent loss of items.
[0024] As shown, communication network 127 encompasses one or more
networks (e.g., data network 131, service provider network 133,
telephony network 135, and wireless network 137). Network may be
any suitable wireline and/or wireless network. For example, data
network 131 may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area
network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or any other
suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned,
proprietary packet-switched network having voice over internet
protocol (VoIP) capabilities, e.g., a proprietary cable or
fiber-optic network. Telephony network 135 may include a
circuit-switched network, such as the public switched telephone
network (PSTN), an integrated services digital network (ISDN), a
private branch exchange (PBX), or other like network. Meanwhile,
wireless network 137 may employ various technologies including, for
example, code division multiple access (CDMA), enhanced data rates
for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS),
global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol
multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications
system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium,
e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), wireless fidelity (WiFi),
satellite, and the like.
[0025] Although depicted as separate entities, networks 131-137 may
be completely or partially contained within one another, or may
embody one or more of the aforementioned infrastructures. For
instance, the communication network 127 and/or the service provider
network 133 may embody circuit-switched and/or packet-switched
networks that include facilities to provide for transport of
circuit-switched and/or packet-based communications. It is further
contemplated that networks 131-137 may include components and
facilities to provide for signaling and/or bearer communications
between the various components or facilities of system 100.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a tracking module configured to
operate in the system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary
embodiment. Tracking module 200 includes a location module 201, a
tag reader module 203, and radio frequency (RF) module 205, a
processor 207, a statistical data module 209, a configuration
module 211, and notification module 213. The location module 201
operates in conjunction with the tag reader 203 to determine
location information about the personal items that are to be
tracked. As mentioned, these items (e.g., items 105a-105n, items
111a-111n, and items 117a-117n) are affixed with tags, which may
utilize tag reader module 203 for scanning or otherwise
communicating with these items. The tag reader module 203 may
include one or more readers, e.g., an RFID reader that reads RFID
chips attached to the items to be tracked.
[0027] Additionally, the tracking module 200 may optionally include
the RF module 205 to communicate wirelessly with various computing
systems and networks. The RF module 205 can be configured to
provide anyone of a number of wireless communication technologies,
e.g., WiFi, BLUETOOTH.TM., etc. Processor 207 can execute
instructions for the operation among the components of the tracking
module 200.
[0028] In one embodiment, location module 201 provides or accesses
a mapping application, such that the location module 201 may
indicate the position or geographic area of an item within the map.
The tag reader module 203 enables the tracking module 200 to
detect, read or receive bearer tag identifiers associated with
items to be tracked, and thereby acquire the location information
of the items, when, for example, a bearer tag comes within range of
the bearer tag reader module 203. According to certain embodiments,
location information may be merely the presence (or absence) of an
item in the vicinity of the tracking module 200, or position or
area of the location of an item. In one embodiment, the location
module 201 can determine its own absolute location using, for
instance, a GPS receiver.
[0029] Other components of the tracking module 200 include a
statistical data module 209, a configuration module 211, and a
notification module 213. The statistical data module 209 can
determine various statistics about the tracked items; e.g., how
many times the item has been lost, where have most items been lost,
time when items are typically lost, frequency of notifications,
time when the notifications were sent, etc. The configuration
module 211 permits a user to register the items that are to be
tracked, specify the associated triggering events, what types of
notifications are to be provided--e.g., the communication methods
for the notification, etc. The notification module 213 has the
responsibility for generating the particular notification messages
or alerts according to a specified communication method. According
to certain embodiments, the alerts may be in form of an audio
and/or visual indicator on a graphical user interface (GUI).
[0030] In to one embodiment, tracking module 200 can account for
the user's schedule or itinerary. For example, the user may input
the itinerary of the user's business trip, along with a name of the
hotel, and place of business. These locations can be used as
triggering events. During this travel, if the user leaves the hotel
without an item that is tracked, the tracking module 200 (which may
be implemented a mobile phone) can provide a notification about the
item.
[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, the user may create a list
of lost items, such that when one or more of the listed items
enters the range (or proximity) of the tracking module 200, the
user may be notified of the presence (or absence) of the item.
[0032] The above arrangement enables the user to track items
locally within a single area (as well as single tracking module or
device), such as within the respective vicinities of computer 115,
vehicle 103, and mobile 109. Alternatively, items that are tracked
within these areas can be coordinated through a more global
approach under a managed services scenario, as next explained.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an item tracking system configured to
provide a managed tracking and notification service, according to
an exemplary embodiment. Item tracking system 300 may comprise
computing hardware (such as described with respect to FIG. 8), as
well as include one or more components configured to execute the
processes described herein. In this example, the item tracking
system 300 is implemented as part of a managed service offered by a
service provider, and thus, can be a part of the service provider
network 133 of FIG. 1. This tracking system 300 can be configured
to communicate with the tracking modules 101a-101c within,
respectively, the vehicle 103, the mobile device 109 and the
computer 115. As shown, the item tracking system 300 includes a
data collection module 301 to gather information relating to the
items via their respective tags. Assuming the vehicle 103, the
mobile device 109 and the computer 115 are associated with a common
user, the tracking system 300 can readily provide a comprehensive
approach to tracking the user's items and providing notifications
to the user using various communication methods. That is, the
system 123 permits tracking of items over multiple areas and
devices. Also, this managed approach permits greater visibility to
where the tracked items may be. For example, if the user is around
the vehicle 103 and is alerted by the local tracking module 101a
that an item is missing, the user may have to search within the
vicinity of the vehicle 103 or retrace routes encompassing prior
locations. However, under the more comprehensive managed approach,
the item tracking system 123 may note that the missing item is
within the user's premise 121, the user can be alerted accordingly,
and thus, need not expend time unnecessarily searching for it.
Moreover, the user can be relieved of any distress about the lost
item, particularly if the item is valuable.
[0034] A data analysis module 303 examines the collected data from
the tracking modules 101a-101c. For example, the data analysis
module 303 can massage the collected data to generate statistical
data about the items and the user. A user presence module 305 is
optionally employed to maintain presence information about the
user; in this manner, communication with the user can be more
efficient. A notification module 307 operates in conjunction with
the data analysis module 303 to generate alerts regarding the
whereabouts of the tracked items. The notification module 307 can
utilize the user presence information to determine the quickest way
to reach the user; for instance, if the user has designated instant
messaging (IM) as a communication method, then an IM message can be
generated by the notification module 307 to alert to user before
the user leaves the location where the item could possibly be
located. In one embodiment, the user can elect to receive the
notification over multiple methods, concurrently. For example,
assuming the tracking module 101b of mobile device 109 is utilized,
the tracking module 101b can instruct the mobile device 109 to
provide an audio and/or visual indicator as a notification that one
of the items 111a-111n is out of range. In addition, the
notification can be provided within an email as well. Consequently,
the probability that user receives the notification is increased,
as the user may be engaged in an email application on the mobile
device 109 or on a nearby computer (not shown).
[0035] Other components include an authentication module 309 to
ensure that users of this item tracking and notification
application are authorized, as well as one or more processors
(controllers) 311 for executing instructions relating to the
application. One or more memories (not shown) are utilized with the
system 300 for permanent or temporary storage of these
instructions. Additionally, the item tracking system 300 includes
one or more communication interfaces 313 to communicate with the
items databases 125 and other peripheral devices or external
devices. It is contemplated that the physical implementation of
repository 125 may take on many forms, including, for example,
portions of existing repositories of a service provider, new
repositories of a service provider, third-party repositories,
and/or shared-repositories.
[0036] According to one embodiment, item tracking database 125 may
be accessible over communication network 127 from, for instance,
the computer 115. By way of example, item tracking database 125
stores information pertaining to the tracking of the items, such an
identifiers of the items, labels and descriptions of the items,
notification options (e.g., email, IM, automated telephone message,
etc.), triggering events for the notifications, criteria for the
notification, and historical data. Historical data can include, for
instance, location information of the items, items that have been
lost, timing data, pattern of notifications for particular items,
events that triggered the notifications, and etc. By accessing
relevant information in the tracking database 125, the user (or
subscriber) can determine the circumstances in which the user tends
to lose items.
[0037] Access by the computer 115 to the database 125 is governed
by the authentication module 309. According to one embodiment, to
access to the item tracking database 125, credential information
may be required by the authentication module 309. The credential
information may include "log on" information corresponding to a
user name, password, coded key, or other unique identification
parameter, such a personal identification number (PIN). In other
embodiments, the credential information may include any one, or
social security number (SSN), an address (e.g., work, home, IP,
media access control (MAC), etc.), or telephone listing (e.g.,
work, home, cellular, etc.) as well as any other form of uniquely
identifiable datum, e.g., biometric code, voice print, etc.
[0038] It is contemplated that authentication can alternatively be
performed by the tracking module, according to one embodiment. That
is, the tracking module 200 of FIG. 2 can be configured to provide
an authentication module.
[0039] The item tracking system 300 also maintains a user profile
database 215 to store information about the users, including
account information, user preferences (e.g., communication
methods), etc. Accordingly, the user of computer 115, can, via the
tracking module 101c, create, customize and manage items locally as
well as through the item tracking system 300. This user can readily
create and modify user profile information, e.g., user preferences,
stored in the user profile database 215 to customize the tracking
service.
[0040] While specific reference will be made to this particular
implementation, it is contemplated that system 300 may embody other
forms and include multiple and/or alternative components.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of process for generating a list of
items to be tracked, according to an exemplary embodiment. By way
of example, this process is explained with respect to the tracking
module 101b of mobile device 109. It is noted that the steps of the
process may be performed in any suitable order, as well as combined
or separated in any suitable manner. Initially, the user needs to
create a list or inventory of items that are to be tracked. In this
example, the tracking module 101b receives a unique identifier to
be associated with an item, per step 401. According to one
embodiment, the identifier may be the tag identifier (assuming such
tag identifier is unique). This information can be received in
various ways, for example, by scanning a tag or via manual input by
the user. In the later case, according to an exemplary embodiment,
the user may enter the information through an input interface
(e.g., a keyboard, a touch screen, etc.) of the mobile device 109.
In step 403, the identifier may be associated with an item to be
tracked, such as a wallet, keys, a suitcase, a camera, or an
umbrella. In an exemplary embodiment, the bearer tag may contain
pre-installed information specifying a profile of the item, in
addition to an identifier. In this manner, the user may simply scan
the pre-installed item profile. Also, the user may manually
associate the identifier with the item profile; this association
may be conducted through pre-installed templates within the mobile
device 109. The user may be prompted to input more items on the
list, as in step 405. Steps 401 and 403 may be repeated until all
items are associated with their respective identifiers. In step
407, the tracking module 101b may generate a list of identifiers
associated with items to be tracked.
[0042] Entry of the items may be stored in memory (not shown) of
the mobile device 109, per step 409. In one embodiment, the created
list may be transmitted to the item tracking database 125.
Thereafter, it is noted that the user may add more items, and/or
modify or delete the existing data.
[0043] The above process can be supported by a graphical user
interface (GUI), as next described.
[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B are exemplary screens of a graphical user
interface (GUI) for providing item tracking and notification,
according to an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 5A, a user may employ
mobile device 500 (e.g., mobile device 109) to input items that are
to be tracked. For illustrative purposes, mobile device 500 is
described with respect to a mobile phone, such as a cellular phone,
configured to provide a GUI 501 to the user via display 503.
[0045] As shown, mobile phone 500 includes one or more transducers
(e.g., speakers) 505 to output audible signals to the user. Cursor
buttons 507, keypad 509, and microphone 511 enable users to
interact with GUI 501 of display 503. As such, mobile device 500
is, in exemplary embodiments, also capable of speech synthesis and
voice recognition. Moreover, the display 503 can be a touch-screen,
such that controllers and buttons can be readily activated.
[0046] GUI 501 includes a text box 513 that illustrates an
identifier associated with an item, which in this example, is a
wallet, as evident from item description box 515. These boxes 513,
515 show the item that is being entered. As noted, the identifier
box 513 can be automatically populated upon scanning a bearer tag,
in which case, the user would specify what item this identifier is
associated with (e.g., a wallet). Text box 517 provides a summary
of the items that the user has provided during this data entry
session as well as past sessions. Alternatively (although not
shown), the GUI 501 can include a summary of "present items" for
indicating only those items entered during this particular data
entry session.
[0047] It is contemplated that the GUI 501 can further provide for
the user to select and modify or delete the particular item(s)
enumerated in box 517.
[0048] GUI 521 of FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary notification
upon detection that an item is out of range. This process is more
fully described below with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7. Continuing
with the example of FIG. 5A, it is assumed that the user has
misplaced a wallet and has moved away from the wallet as to trigger
a notification. Under this scenario, an alert notification box 523
provides the following information: "Wallet is missing!" In
addition, the box 523 may indicate the last location in which
presence of the wallet was detected: "Last detect on 22nd St."
According to one embodiment, GUI 521 provides a directions box 527,
which instructs the user how to proceed to the location that the
item was last detected. For instance, the following directions are
provided: "Go 30 yards, and take a left ahead at Lucky Street. Take
right on 22nd." In addition, a map display 529 can be supplied to
the user. Moreover, audio instructions can be concurrently played
via speakers 505.
[0049] It is noted that the user can specify how and when the
notification is provided, according to one embodiment. For example,
the user can indicate the distance beyond which the item is away
from the mobile device 500 (even though it is still within
detection range). This capability will permit the user to control
various aspects of item tracking, such as time to react in recovery
of the missing item, prioritization of items, etc. For a value or
hard to find item (e.g., luggage and wallet), the distance that
triggers the alert would like be relatively small, compared to a
less value item, such as an umbrella. Moreover, in the case of the
umbrella, it is likely that the user will have to depart from it
when entering any premise, e.g., a restaurant, and thus, the
distance can be liberally set.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for specifying a
triggering event and notification option for a tracked item,
according to an exemplary embodiment. As mentioned, the awareness
capability (i.e., scanning for the items) can occur based on a
schedule, an event, or a combination thereof. In this example, the
user can specify the triggering events and associated notification
criteria on an item by item basis. However, it is contemplated that
the tracking module can provide pre-defined settings without this
level of customization.
[0051] In this example, it is assumed that the items to be tracked
have been specified by the user, as in the process of FIG. 4. In
step 601, a list of the items is retrieved. Alternatively, the
items may be retrieved one by one. At this point, the user may
select one, per step 603, of the items from the list, for example,
by directly inputting an identifier of an item, selecting an item
from a list, or searching an item by one or more keywords. In step
605, the user can specify a triggering event for the particular
item by various means. For instance, a drop down menu can be
provided to the user, in which the menu shows different events that
can be inputted. Such events can part of a template of
activities--e.g., activation of a vehicle, user arrives at a
certain location, when the tracking module cannot detect presence
of one or more items (or a particular item) (i.e., absence of the
items), battery level drops below a certain threshold, etc.
According to one embodiment, the user may specify more than one
triggering event for a particular item. For example, triggering
events for a wallet may be "moving away from an office" and
"leaving the user's house." Also, an actuation (or starting of the
engine) of a vehicle can be specified as a triggering event.
[0052] In addition, the user may specify a certain event for
multiple items. For instance, an employee's identification (ID)
card and office keys may be grouped together as an "office" group,
as to permit conveniently specifying the same triggering event for
these items. This grouping feature can also be utilized for
defining and applying the criteria for a notification.
[0053] In step 607, one or more criteria are defined for the
notification. The criteria specifies the conditions upon which a
notification is to be produced. According to an exemplary
embodiment, the criteria include proximity (or vicinity) of the
item, the time when the triggering event occurs is, for example,
weekday, etc. As mentioned, multiple criteria can be specified for
the same item; for example; the first criterion is that the office
keys are not located within a predetermined distance (e.g., 3 feet)
from a vehicle, and the second criterion is that it is a weekday.
The determination of whether the item is within a certain proximity
can be based on acquiring location information of the associated
tag, or simply whether the tag is absent (e.g., not detectable
within the proximity).
[0054] When more than one triggering event is selected, different
criteria may be specified for each triggering event, even though
the tracked item is the same. For example, a specified triggering
event for a wallet can be when the user moves away from the a
particular location, e.g., user's office, while another specified
triggering event for the same wallet can be actuation of a vehicle.
In this situation, a notification for the first triggering event
may be that the wallet is not located within a certain distance
(e.g., 3 feet) from the user's mobile device 109, while a criterion
for the second triggering event may be that a wallet is not located
within 5 feet from the vehicle 103. It is noted that a triggering
event and a notification criterion may be similar. For example, a
triggering event may be an event that a tracking module loses
detection of the wallet in the vicinity; and a criterion for the
notification may be that the wallet is not located in the
vicinity.
[0055] Moreover, when the user selects more than one criterion for
one item, the user may define whether one, some, or all criteria
need to be satisfied to generate the notification.
[0056] In step 609, the user selects the notification option, and a
notification is generated based on this option (step 611).
According to one embodiment, the user may select different
notification options for the same item based on different
triggering events. For example, the user may select a notification
option that is announcement of the item's description via speakers
of a vehicle, for instance, "wallet is missing," for a triggering
event, activation of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the user
leaves his or her office without the wallet, the user's mobile
device 109 alerts the user of the missing wallet by a distinctive
ring tone (such ring tone can set as so that the user knows it is
associated with a missing item).
[0057] In addition, the user may select more then one notification
options for the same item for the same triggering event. For
example, when a user leaves his or her office without a wallet, the
user's mobile device 109 can provide notification by both a beeping
sound and displaying an image of the missing wallet. In an
exemplary embodiment, an actual picture of the item may be used as
part of the image notification. Alternatively, a stock image of an
item, for example, a wallet, may be used. By way of example,
notification options include an alarm sound, a melody, a voice,
flashing light, vibration, displaying an image of the item, or any
combination thereof. According to an exemplary embodiment,
notification could be implemented by sending email, text messages,
voice, images and/or video. These emails, messages and etc. may be
sent to a person other than the user, for example, to a cell phone
of the user's family member. This notification option may be useful
when a user misplaces, for example, the mobile device 109 (with the
tracking module).
[0058] Furthermore, the mobile device 109 may provide notification
that the criteria are satisfied, in addition to the location
information, by sending an email to the user's office email account
or to the user's spouse, thereby allowing the user to receive
notification without carrying the mobile device 109. According to
one exemplary embodiment, in addition to the notification, a list
of items whose notification criteria are satisfied may be created
and displayed on, for example, the display of the mobile device
109, along with the criterion that has been satisfied for each
item.
[0059] Under the managed services implementation, the information
generated through the processes described in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be
stored in the item tracking database 125 or memory in one of
tracking modules 101a-101c. In this manner, the user may add,
modify and/or delete triggering events, criteria for notification,
and/or notification options stored within the database 125.
[0060] According to one embodiment, these item parameters or
profiles, may be added, modified and/or deleted through various
devices, for example, mobile device 109, computer 115, and/or TV
(not shown). The authentication module may verify user's credential
information obtained via a user interface. Alternatively, as
explained earlier, authentication can be performed by the item
tracking system 123.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for item tracking and
notification, according to an exemplary embodiment. In step 701, a
specified triggering event is detected by a tracking module (e.g.,
tracking module 101b of mobile device 109). Thus, the tracking
module 101b initiates reading of tags associated with the tracked
items associated with the detected triggering event, per step 703.
Alternatively, the user may activate the scanning process
regardless of occurrence of any pre-specified triggering events. In
this manner, the user may manually select one or more items to be
detected from the list. Also, the user may select one or more
groups of items to be detected. For example, when the user desires
to check whether all the user's belongings are in the vicinity
before checking out a hotel, the user may specify a particular
group of items (created as "items for traveling," including a
suitcase, a camera, PDA, and an umbrella) to check for their
presence or absence.
[0062] In step 705, the tracking module 101b can initiate
communication with the tags affixed to the items to acquire their
location information. If the tracking module 101b is not able to
communicate with an item directly, the tracking module 101b may
attempt, with the assistance of the item tracking system 123 (under
the managed service model) to communicate with the item through
other tracking modules 101a, 101c. For example, if the tracking
module 101b in the mobile device 109 is unable to detect the
presence of a wallet, the tracking module 101b may, either
automatically or by user's manual input, activate the tracking
module 101a in the vehicle 103 and/or premise 121 to determine
whether the wallet can be found within those areas. The
communication between, for example, the vehicle 103 and the mobile
device 109 may be performed directly or through communication
network 127.
[0063] In step 707, location information (e.g., relative location,
absolute location, and other location data) of the item(s) are
received from the corresponding tags. Next, the tracking module
101b determines whether one or more of the specified criteria for
notification are satisfied (steps 709 and 711) based on the
acquired location information of the selected items. If the
criteria are satisfied, the tracking module 101b, as in step 713,
determines the associated notification option. In step 715,
notification is initiated using the determined notification option.
It is noted that the notification may be provided to the mobile
device 109 or any other device of the user, e.g., vehicle 103 or
computer 115.
[0064] As mentioned, in certain embodiments, the tracking module
101b may report location information along with the notification or
in a separate message. The location information may be merely a
description of a broader area (or range), for example, within 100
meters radius, or a more specific position.
[0065] In other example, if the item is tracked within the premise
121 by tracking module 101c and the tracking module 101c is
configured with mapping information (e.g., floor plan of the
premise), the user can be provided with more specific location
information. For instance, a missing wallet is determined to be
located in the southwest corner of the premise 121. Using the floor
plan, the tracking module 101c may notify the user that the wallet
is located in the southwest corner of the main bedroom. This
location information may be viewed by the user via the computer
115, as well as other devices.
[0066] According to one embodiment, the tracking modules 101b and
101c can exchange information about the tracked items to enable a
more robust experience. For example, these modules 101b and 101c
can cooperate such that when a user enters the house to find the
wallet (which was first detected by tracking module 101b of the
mobile device 109 to be missing), the tracking module 101c in the
house may detect the presence of the user by detecting the mobile
device 109. Consequently, the tracking module 101c can instruction
other devices (e.g., TV) to display the location of the wallet.
[0067] The above arrangement, according to certain embodiments,
advantageously permits effective recovery of a missing item, while
the user is nearby, thereby minimizing time, money, and effort.
[0068] The processes described herein for providing item tracking
may be implemented via software, hardware (e.g., general processor,
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs),
etc.), firmware or a combination thereof. Such exemplary hardware
for performing the described functions is detailed below.
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates computing hardware (e.g., computer
system) 800 upon which various exemplary embodiments may be
implemented. The computer system 800 includes a bus 801 or other
communication mechanism for communicating information and a
processor 803 coupled to the bus 801 for processing information.
The computer system 800 also includes main memory 805, such as a
random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled
to the bus 801 for storing information and instructions to be
executed by the processor 803. Main memory 805 can also be used for
storing temporary variables or other intermediate information
during execution of instructions by the processor 803. The computer
system 800 may further include a read only memory (ROM) 807 or
other static storage device coupled to the bus 801 for storing
static information and instructions for the processor 803. A
storage device 809, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is
coupled to the bus 801 for persistently storing information and
instructions.
[0070] The computer system 800 may be coupled via the bus 801 to a
display 811, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal
display, active matrix display, or plasma display, for displaying
information to a computer user. An input device 813, such as a
keyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the
bus 801 for communicating information and command selections to the
processor 803. Another type of user input device is a cursor
control 815, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction
keys, for communicating direction information and command
selections to the processor 803 and for controlling cursor movement
on the display 811.
[0071] According to an embodiment of the invention, the processes
described herein are performed by the computer system 800, in
response to the processor 803 executing an arrangement of
instructions contained in main memory 805. Such instructions can be
read into main memory 805 from another computer-readable medium,
such as the storage device 809. Execution of the arrangement of
instructions contained in main memory 805 causes the processor 803
to perform the process steps described herein. One or more
processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed
to execute the instructions contained in main memory 805. In
alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place
of or in combination with software instructions to implement the
embodiment of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are
not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and
software.
[0072] The computer system 800 also includes a communication
interface 817 coupled to bus 801. The communication interface 817
provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link
819 connected to a local network 821. For example, the
communication interface 817 may be a digital subscriber line (DSL)
card or modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card,
a cable modem, a telephone modem, or any other communication
interface to provide a data communication connection to a
corresponding type of communication line. As another example,
communication interface 817 may be a local area network (LAN) card
(e.g. for Ethernet.TM. or an Asynchronous Transfer Model (ATM)
network) to provide a data communication connection to a compatible
LAN. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such
implementation, communication interface 817 sends and receives
electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital
data streams representing various types of information. Further,
the communication interface 817 can include peripheral interface
devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
interface, etc. Although a single communication interface 817 is
depicted in FIG. 8, multiple communication interfaces can also be
employed.
[0073] The network link 819 typically provides data communication
through one or more networks to other data devices. For example,
the network link 819 may provide a connection through local network
821 to a host computer 823, which has connectivity to a network 825
(e.g. a wide area network (WAN) or the global packet data
communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet")
or to data equipment operated by a service provider. The local
network 821 and the network 825 both use electrical,
electromagnetic, or optical signals to convey information and
instructions. The signals through the various networks and the
signals on the network link 819 and through the communication
interface 817, which communicate digital data with the computer
system 800, are exemplary forms of carrier waves bearing the
information and instructions.
[0074] The computer system 800 can send messages and receive data,
including program code, through the network(s), the network link
819, and the communication interface 817. In the Internet example,
a server (not shown) might transmit requested code belonging to an
application program for implementing an embodiment of the invention
through the network 825, the local network 821 and the
communication interface 817. The processor 803 may execute the
transmitted code while being received and/or store the code in the
storage device 809, or other non-volatile storage for later
execution. In this manner, the computer system 800 may obtain
application code in the form of a carrier wave.
[0075] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing instructions to the
processor 803 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,
including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media,
and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,
optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device 809. Volatile
media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 805. Transmission
media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics,
including the wires that comprise the bus 801. Transmission media
can also take the form of acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic
waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and
infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of
computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium,
a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper
tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns
of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM,
and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a
carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0076] Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in
providing instructions to a processor for execution. For example,
the instructions for carrying out at least part of the embodiments
of the invention may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a
remote computer. In such a scenario, the remote computer loads the
instructions into main memory and sends the instructions over a
telephone line using a modem. A modem of a local computer system
receives the data on the telephone line and uses an infrared
transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal and transmit
the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such as a
personal digital assistant (PDA) or a laptop. An infrared detector
on the portable computing device receives the information and
instructions borne by the infrared signal and places the data on a
bus. The bus conveys the data to main memory, from which a
processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions
received by main memory can optionally be stored on storage device
either before or after execution by processor.
[0077] While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have
been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be
apparent from this description. Accordingly, the invention is not
limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the
presented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent
arrangements.
* * * * *